Audria Pendergrass Lee (She/Her/Hers)
About Audria Pendergrass Lee (She/Her/Hers)
Audria Pendergrass Lee is the Chief Diversity Officer at FINRA, recognized for her contributions to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She has a background in political science and organizational management, and has held various leadership roles focused on diversity initiatives throughout her career.
Work at FINRA
Audria Pendergrass Lee has held multiple roles at FINRA, including Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Chief Diversity Officer from 2021 to 2024, and Director of Diversity and WorkLife from 2009 to 2021. In her current role as Chief Diversity Officer, she has made significant enhancements to flexible work arrangements, gender- and LGBTQ-inclusive policies, and various diversity programming efforts. She facilitated the creation of an award-winning diversity leadership council and employee resource group program, and launched formal mentoring programs while overseeing organization-wide diversity education.
Education and Expertise
Audria Pendergrass Lee earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of South Carolina, studying from 1993 to 1996. She later obtained a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix - Columbia, MD, from 2002 to 2004. Her continued education includes studies at the University of Maryland University College and the Aresty Institute of Executive Education at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. This educational background supports her expertise in diversity and organizational management.
Background
Audria Pendergrass Lee began her academic journey at Fayetteville State University from 1990 to 1993 before transferring to the University of South Carolina. She has a professional background that includes working as Manager of Diversity Programs at U.S. Foodservice from 2007 to 2009. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through her various roles and initiatives throughout her career.
Achievements
In 2019, Audria Pendergrass Lee was recognized by The Network Journal as an Influential Black Woman in Business. She serves on the board of the Center for Workplace Compliance and is a member of the Tanenbaum Workplace Advisory Council. Additionally, she is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., reflecting her dedication to community and professional engagement.